Buying a 986

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Hey guys, I asked a question regarding the work done to a 986 on my newbie thread.

Just in case it gets missed by the people more knowledgeable on the 986 I thought I could ask here too... would the repairs to a transmission 1/2nd synchro, cone rings and second gear cause concerns for an abused Boxster?

it has receipts for nearly $13k less than 10k km ago. Major service, bleed brakes, inspect clutch (not replaced as apparently it was OK?), repair transmission, castor arms, cv boots, cull ceramic IMS (aparrantly he explained its not the usually ceramic bearing but full ceramic housing?) RMS.

new roof with glass/demister.

Pressurised oil accumulator?

it also says that compression was excellent but cylinder 2 & 3 we’re down a pound or two - is this within acceptable tolerances?

im not sure if they can be seen as good or as an abused car. Cosmetically it’s great, one of the best iv inspected.

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Honestly it looks like a very tidy car. I own a first year 2.5 but there are a lot of similarities in terms of the maintenance I did to prolong my cars life and what your prospective car has. Doesn't sound abused but these things happen when a car is close to 20 years old. I'd buy

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Hey guys, I asked a question regarding the work done to a 986 on my newbie thread.

Just in case it gets missed by the people more knowledgeable on the 986 I thought I could ask here too... would the repairs to a transmission 1/2nd synchro, cone rings and second gear cause concerns for an abused Boxster?﻿

it has receipts for nearly $13k less than 10k km ago. Major service, bleed brakes, inspect clutch (not replaced as apparently it was OK?), repair transmission, castor arms, cv boots, cull ceramic IMS (aparrantly he explained its not the usually ceramic bearing but full ceramic housing?) RMS.

new roof with glass/demister.

Pressurised oil accumulator?

it also says that compression was excellent but cylinder 2 & 3 we’re down a pound or two - is this within acceptable tolerances?

im not sure if they can be seen as good or as an abused car. Cosmetically it’s great, one of the best iv inspected.

1st and 2nd get the most use so not really a cause for concern if its been repaired correctly (by someone/place reputable), has receipts and drives well.

What you want to check is the over revs in the DME and when/if they occurred. If there are type 2 over revs under 120 hours ago, Porsche classifies that as an engine "at risk" past 120 hours it's in the clear - that is for catastrophic damage.

Also not sure what a "ceramic housing" but that doesn't sound like a valid comment. The two models of the most reputable IMSB seller (LN engineering) are the IMS Retrofit - hybrid ceramic coated ball bearing design to replace the existing IMSB (has service interval) or the IMS solution which has a direct oil feed and is a plain bearing (without a service interval).

Not sure about the compression figures, if I get time i'll look it up in POSES (workshop manual).

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1st and 2nd get the most use so not really a cause for concern if its been repaired correctly (by someone/place reputable), has receipts and drives well.

What you want to check is the over revs in the DME and when/if they occurred. If there are type 2 over revs under 120 hours ago, Porsche classifies that as an engine "at risk" past 120 hours it's in the clear - that is for catastrophic damage.

Also not sure what a "ceramic housing" but that doesn't sound like a valid comment. The two models of the most reputable IMSB seller (LN engineering) are the IMS Retrofit - hybrid ceramic coated ball bearing design to replace the existing IMSB (has service interval) or the IMS solution which has a direct oil feed and is a plain bearing (without a service interval).

Not sure about the compression figures, if I get time i'll look it up in POSES (workshop manual).

IMO that bearing is inferior to the LN single row pro retrofit. It is cheaper though.

I tried to contact the mechanic that did the installation, he is not available. The owner tried telling me he was told that the IMS was fully ceramic and not a hybrid (ceramic bearings and SS casing) like the others, he didn't know what supplier but was told it was of German build. If inferior does that mean the problem is not eliminated?

I don't know too much about the risks involved in the different bearings/companies. You would assume it would last at least until the next clutch change???

6 hours ago, 42 South said:

Sure it's a nice car and perhaps above average condition, but many of the items mentioned in the advert are what would need to be done to a car with that mileage.

For the price, you should be able to get a v.good series 2 with perhaps lower miles. I reckon it is about $5~7K over priced, so factor that in.

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Accusump is a reputable product in the US but mostly installed for track cars (from what i've read) to me its odd that its been installed. That aside it could be seen as a bonus.

As for the bearing, no ball bearing is a lifetime solution, only the IMS solution has no service interval. The issue is that yes its of a hight build quality than standard but its still a single row bearing, it should last until the next clutch change. At which point i'd consider the LN retrofit or solution.

Unfortunately can't comment on price as I don't watch the Boxster market that closely but maybe offer the "standard 5%" off the asking price and I think you're good to go. There are other decent models from my quick search but none in NSW!

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Accusump is a reputable product in the US but mostly installed for track cars (from what i've read) to me its odd that its been installed. That aside it could be seen as a bonus.

As for the bearing, no ball bearing is a lifetime solution, only the IMS solution has no service interval. The issue is that yes its of a hight build quality than standard but its still a single row bearing, it should last until the next clutch change. At which point i'd consider the LN retrofit or solution.

Unfortunately can't comment on price as I don't watch the Boxster market that closely but maybe offer the "standard 5%" off the asking price and I think you're good to go. There are other decent models from my quick search but none in NSW!

Yeah I tried reading about that, I am really not sure why he had it installed?? He seems to think its for cold starts when he hasn't used it for a long time?

I would love to get your idea of the decent models from your search. I have looked at other states but couldn't pick a winner in the price range that had the amount of preventative maintenance done.

appreciate a private message if you think I should consider any you found.

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Here's one outta left field, and I do mean left! That interior- umm yeah hmmm aaah yep sorta mmmm nah aaw nope no NO! I still sorta do like it just not in that car. Would look great in Taffy's jellybean

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Here's one outta left field, and I do mean left! That interior- umm yeah hmmm aaah yep sorta mmmm nah aaw nope no NO! I still sorta do like it just not in that car. Would look great in Taffy's jellybean

I think my eyes hurt!!! Can't say I find this attractive at all. Suspect their price of $20k is rather unattainable, given registration issues. Perhaps $10k as a track hack / BoxRod may be more likely????

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Here's one outta left field, and I do mean left! That interior- umm yeah hmmm aaah yep sorta mmmm nah aaw nope no NO! I still sorta do like it just not in that car. Would look great in Taffy's jellybean

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Here's one outta left field, and I do mean left! That interior- umm yeah hmmm aaah yep sorta mmmm nah aaw nope no NO! I still sorta do like it just not in that car. Would look great in Taffy's jellybean